Learning Outcomes
1) Understanding the basic concepts of Geochemistry.
2) Understanding the basic concepts of the elements distribution in Earth’s Core, Mantle and Crust.
3) Understanding the basic concepts of the trace elements behaviour in liquid-solid systems.
4) Learning how to construct multi-element spider diagrams and drawing conclusions from these.
Course Content (Syllabus)
Introduction- Subject of Geochemistry
Goldschmidt Geochemical classification of the elements
Chemical Bonds and their relationship with the composition and properties of minerals – Ionic radius – Coordination number and ionic radius ratio - Ionic substitution in crystals - Isomorfism, polymorfism and solid solutions
Solar System Elements - Meteorites
The evolution of the Earth's composition - The Earth's internal structure – Total composition of the Earth - The original geochemical differentiation of the proto-Earth - Formation and development of the Earth's solid crust
Origin and crystallization of magmas
Geochemical characteristics of primary magmas - Behavior of trace elements during fractional crystallization or partial melting of the rocks - Rare earth elements - Spider diagrams
Geochemistry of sedimentary rocks
Reactions in aqueous solutions - Water as a solvent - Acids and bases dissociation - Salt solubility - Solubility product - Saturation index - Solution and precipitation of calcium carbonate - Chemical weathering of silicate minerals
Geochemistry of the metamorphic rocks
Mobility of the elements during metamorphism
Isotopic Geochemistry Elements
Stable and radioactive isotopes, main radiochronological methods
Use of isotopes to determine the source of magma
Keywords
General Geochemistry, Earth composition, major elements, trace elements, rare earth elements